Lights On Afterschool Celebration on October 22nd – Join us!

Posted by LiaBraaten, Community Contributor

Posted by LiaBraaten, Community Contributor

Community Contributor LiaBraaten

On October 22nd, 2015, EDUCATION CONNECTION's School Age Programs will host their 16th Annual Lights On Afterschool events. Community members, students, families, legislators, school officials, and staff are all invited to join our showcase and celebration of what afterschool programs are all about. Each of the School Age Programs will host a unique open house complete with fall activities such as pumpkin painting as well as game nights and family dinners.

"It is exciting for all of us to be a part of this national celebration recognizing the importance of afterschool programs that keep kids safe, help working families, and enhance students' academic achievement," comments Tracey Lay, Director of School Age Programs for EDUCATION CONNECTION, who was recently elected to the National Afterschool Association Board. Celebrated last year by over a million people throughout the United States, at over 8,100 events, Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for afterschool programs. Lay continues, "It is powerful to participate in an awareness-raising project that actually lights up the Empire State Building and Mt. Rushmore. And it is a meaningful event for our team, our students, their families, and communities as we shine the light on our own local programs. We are honored to open our programs to the community and to share the kinds of hands-on, engaging activities that our students are experiencing all in the safe, caring environment that our fantastic staff provide after school every day."

EDUCATION CONNECTION's School Age Programs (SAP), a member of the Afterschool Alliance, provides high-quality and affordable afterschool programming to students at 13 school-based sites, serving 25 schools in 8 districts, including Barkhamsted, Brookfield, Region 10/Harwinton, Litchfield, New Hartford, Newtown, Torrington, and Region 14/Woodbury. SAP programming features STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) and literacy enrichment programs, arts and crafts, recreational activities, assistance with homework, and nutritious snacks. To learn more about SAP, contact Tracey Lay, Director of School Age Programs & Development Services, at (860) 567-0863 x143 or lay@educationconnection.org.

About Lights On AfterschoolLaunched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates thousands of media clippings each year. Learn more and find an event near you at afterschoolalliance.org.

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